TODAY'S PICK

It's no secret around these parts that I'm a fan of both tequila and smoky scotch (though not at the same time). So naturally I've been a fan of the mezcal drinks that have been popping up on practically every restaurant's cocktail menu. If you're new to mezcal, it's a liquor made from oven roasted agave. This gives it a strong smoky flavor that makes it an unexpected hit in cocktails made traditionally with either tequila or whiskey.

I finally bought a bottle to take home and try out for myself. I didn't have a specific drink in mind, but I knew I wanted something seasonal, and I had a bottle of a local apple cider in the fridge just begging to be used. Mix that was some trusty ginger beer and garnish it up and there you have it. A smoky fall cocktail that would definitely meet my requirements for Thanksgiving on the road.

Mezcal honestly reminds me more of scotch than tequila, although with less of that peaty taste. It's VERY smoky, which can be too much for some people, but I think it's great, and it packs a punch to otherwise simple drinks.